On Friday, February 16, 2024, NJ.com reported that lawyers and former judges were expressing outrage over ethics charges filed against Mercer County Judge Douglas Hurd.
The charges stem from Hurd allowing his judicial secretary to do some remote work over a period of months in 2022. In a formal response filed with the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, Hurd maintained it was an honest mistake made in good faith using his discretion as her supervisor. He said the remote work arrangement did not negatively impact her duties or the court operations.
Other lawyers and judges who know Hurd’s character defended him, questioning the Committee’s decision to pursue this case. They called the allegations “silly” and “a joke.” Former Mercer County Judge Bill Mathesius said he was stunned by the news and thought it was initially a prank.
Mathesius, who himself had faced ethics charges during his time on the bench, plans to publish an article voicing his strong support for Hurd. He said the prevailing sentiment in the legal community is one of “outrage” over these charges. As someone familiar with Hurd’s work ethic and reputation, Mathesius asserted Hurd takes his judicial role very seriously and would never improperly use his position.
In his formal response, Hurd highlighted his record of handling a large caseload promptly and thoroughly. He argued remote work was reasonable given his high opinion of his secretary’s skills and work habits developed over many years working together.
Source: NJ.com
